Suntory Oceania appoints Bríd Drohan-Stewart as chief marketing officer

Suntory Oceania has appointed Bríd Drohan-Stewart as chief marketing officer, as the multi-beverage group sharpens its ambitions to accelerate growth and ignite the local beverage market across Australia and New Zealand.

Drohan-Stewart joins from Woolworths Group, where she is currently marketing director of Fresh and Fresh Food People. She departs after five years, having led the Countdown brand through COVID-era disruption, overseen its rebrand to Woolworths in New Zealand, and introduced Everyday Rewards to the market.

An international marketing leader with more than 25 years’ experience, Drohan-Stewart has held senior roles across FMCG, QSR and retail, including stints at McDonald’s and The Coca-Cola Company. Her global beverage credentials include leading campaigns such as Share a Coke, Diet Coke’s UK relaunch and Coca-Cola’s work around the 2011 Rugby World Cup across the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.

Joining the Oceania executive leadership team, Drohan-Stewart will take direct responsibility for Suntory Oceania’s non-alcohol portfolio across ANZ, spanning brands including V Energy, Suntory BOSS Coffee and Maximus.

“We are delighted to welcome Bríd to the Suntory Oceania team with her impressive background in building brands across the FMCG, QSR and retail sectors,” said Dai Minato, CEO of Suntory Beverage and Food Oceania.

“As we pioneer new beverage experiences inspired by innovation and craftsmanship, Bríd will play a critical role in leading a new era for our portfolio in Australia and New Zealand.”

Drohan-Stewart said the opportunity to work across Suntory’s growing local portfolio was a compelling one.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Suntory with its 125-year-old heritage and commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and excellence,” she said.

“Working with Suntory Oceania’s iconic brands, which can be disruptive, dynamic and provide more choice to customers, creates enormous potential to shape the future of the beverage industry across Australia and New Zealand.”

Drohan-Stewart will commence in April 2026 and will be based in Sydney.

Suntory Oceania is the region’s fourth-largest multi-beverage group, with a portfolio of more than 40 brands across spirits, RTD alcohol, juice, water, soft drinks, coffee, energy and sports drinks.